Information control system

ABSTRACT

A system and method is used to characterize a user with properties, such as location in relation to established geo-fences, speed of traverse, projected traveling time required for a particular distance, etc. Those properties contribute to yielding a quantitative result in the calculated lead time period prior to the user arriving at a monitored space, including but not limited to a rented room in a hotel, and a house. The method uses the user&#39;s arrival time to estimate the setback temperature, which is the indoor temperature of a monitored space maintained during unattended time periods. The method also uses the user&#39;s arrival time to estimate the heated water volume to be provided, as well as, to house watch other property management interests.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims the prioritybenefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/896,600, filed May 17, 2013,which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/648,115, filed 17 May, 2012, under title Information ControlSystem. The disclosures of this parent nonprovisional application andthe provisional application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a user location tracking system(“tracking system”) and methods to locate user carried mobile devices,such as those used in digital cellular systems, personal communicationssystems (“PCS”), enhanced specialized mobile radios (“ESMRs”), radiofrequency (“RF”) based tracking systems (Bluetooth, WiFi), and otherwireless communications systems. More particularly, but not exclusively,the present disclosure relates to methods that employ the location ofthe individually tracked user to determine the time at which the userarrives (“arrival time”) at a monitored space, including thecorresponding rented room at a hotel (“rented room”), the total numberof tracked users at a hotel for control of the rented room relatedconditions.

2. Background

A residing guest (“user”) at a hotel contributes to energy consumptionin the use of a rented room through two primary utility sources:Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning system (“HVAC”) and heatedwater. In conventional HVAC systems, the temperature within a rentedroom is raised or lowered at multiple operating levels. The indoortemperature is typically maintained at three different levels. Thesetpoint level is often selected by the user when the rented room isattended. The comfort level is maintained at a few degrees from thesetpoint temperature for energy conservation when the rented room isunoccupied while allowing speedy resume to the setpoint level. The freelevel is used for maximal energy conservation of an unrented room.

Common problem of the comfort level often being the setback temperatureeither too far away from the setpoint temperature to providesatisfactory comfort when someone returns to the unoccupied monitoredspace, or too close to the setpoint temperature to achieve adequateenergy savings. Indoor temperature at comfort level requires a drivetime to be resumed to setpoint temperature; the corresponding estimatedminimal required drive time is therefore overly inaccurate. The “ShortCycling” phenomenon may result from insufficient operating times,leading to overshooting the user's setpoint temperature and unboundedup/down temperature cycles within a given time period. The result isunavoidable damage to the HVAC system and shortening of the generaloperative life span.

In addition to indoor temperature setpoint control, heated water atsetpoint temperature must also be readily supplied to the rented rooms.Water heaters fall into one of two categories: 1. tankless type waterheaters, and 2. storage tank type water heaters. The hotel usually keepsa track record for heated water consumption regardless of the type ofwater heater used. Consumption of heated water greatly varies withindifferent times of the day and during different seasons of the yearnotwithstanding, the volume is also dependent on the number of trackedusers being onsite. Should the heated water supply be planned on basisof the projected number of tracked users being at the hotel during theday, the volume of heated water allocated on the per user basis can bemaintained at an interrelated level.

In addition, the information related to each projected user's arrivaltime at the monitored space, the occupancy status being attended orunattended by the user, may also be used for provision of house watchingservices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention provides a system and methods toproject the user's arrival time at an unoccupied monitored space fordetermination of the setback temperature, the quantity of heated waterconsumption, scheduling of service provisions. The operative modes ofdevices related to the monitored space are changed in accordance withdetected or expected presence of intended users.

In various aspects, a system is disclosed for locating and recordingwith respect to time a proximity log related to location of a usercarried mobile device encompassing one or more transmitters for wirelesscommunication. In one embodiment, said mobile device is further equippedwith location analysis functionality and selectively transmits a messageencompassing the proximity log on its location relative to apredetermined geo-fence area. The system includes an application serverthat receives the message and determines the user's arrival time at therented room. In furtherance, the application server proceeds with thecalculation of the total number of tracked users with respect to timeduring the day. In a further aspect, the control station sends obtainedattributes to the application server, and controls connected attributestation and external devices in accordance with received proximity logssent from the application server. The control station includes but notlimited to a Building Management System, and a gateway with internet andWLAN connectivity.

In one embodiment, the application server estimates the drive time oftemperature response in a HVAC controlled room by the following steps:obtaining the indoor temperature at a beginning point, intermediatepoints and an end point of the prior drive operation; calculating adrive curve using the beginning, intermediate and end temperatures; andusing the drive curve to estimate a time at which the desiredtemperature will be reached. In an alternative embodiment, estimatingthe drive time may comprise the steps of: obtaining a plurality ofindoor temperature data samples over a period of time corresponding tothe prior drive operation; calculating a plurality of drive curvesections, each section calculated using a subset of data samples;conjoining all calculated drive curve sections.

In another embodiment, a method for calculating the quantity of heatedwater consumption during the day. The application server projects thedaily peaks of actual water consumption by utilizing the consumptionrate versus time on basis of historic operations, composing a curve ofthe daily consumption rate versus time, and using the projected numberof users at the hotel on basis of a plurality of received proximitylogs, and therefore the projected arrival times of tracked users, toproject the time at which the daily peaks of heated water consumptionwill be reached.

In a further embodiment of the method, the application server estimatesthe time duration of each rented room being in an unoccupied status andcomposes a schedule of housekeeping service in priority. The dynamicinformation is stored in a server connected memory means. In yet afurther embodiment of a method for determining and setting the operativemodes of selected devices related with the rented room, on the basis ofthe concurrent user location and in accordance with preset operatingparameters or user authorization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute to embodiments of the present invention andserve to depict the apparatuses infrastructure and operating principles.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of the present invention of thetracking system.

FIG. 2A depicts a traveling trace of user carried mobile device withrespect to a polygonal geo-fenced area.

FIG. 2B depicts the locations of user carried mobile device at differentinstantaneous times with respect to a circular geo-fenced area.

FIG. 3 is a graph depicting the calculated thermal drift & driverelationships within a monitored space, using a non-linear equation.

FIG. 4 is a graph depicting the thermal drift & drive relationshipswithin a monitored space, identifying recorded data samples over aperiod of time.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting a method to calculate setback roomtemperature settings, and the projected heated water consumptionquantity, using the user location and projected user's arrival time at ahotel.

FIG. 6A is a graph depicting the historic heated water consumption rateon an average day at a hotel.

FIG. 6B is a graph depicting the recorded heated water consumption rate,and projected heated water consumption rate based on a plurality ofprojected users' arrival times at a hotel.

FIG. 7A depicts a schedule for allocating human resources in serviceprovisions with prioritization in accordance with rented room users'arrival times.

FIG. 7B is a flow chart depicting a method to house watch a monitoredspace.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be better understood with reference toembodiments depicted by supporting drawings, however, it is not intendedthat the invention be restricted to those depicted embodiments. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications canbe made without departing from the true scope of the invention asdefined by the claims. It is therefore intended to include within theinvention all such variations and modifications as fall within the scopeof the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention in environment 100, in whichcertain preferences in geo-fence details, operating parameters andcontrols information are selectively sent from application server 110 tomobile device 103. Mobile device 103 is enabled to transmit preferredmessages to application server 110 for data logging. Application server110 performs projection of the arrival time at the rented room of theuser carrying mobile device 103. At any time, the user can send amanually entered arrival time through mobile device 103 to applicationserver 110.

Geo-location system 101 is a terrestrial or satellite based positioningsystem; some of which include but not limited to the Beidou NavigationSystem, Differential GPS (“DGPS”), Eurofix DGPS, Global PositioningSystem (“GPS”), pertaining to the Global Navigation Satellite System(“GNSS”). In other types of positioning systems, geo-location system 101comprising cellular communication towers, or other systems providingreference points, transmit RF signals that are received by mobile device103.

Mobile device 103 encompasses embedded device 104 (e.g. an onboardcomputer with memory means (not shown) and limited functionality),geo-receiver 105, telematics device 106 and the corresponding antennae108, 107. Embedded device 104 is wirelessly loaded with operatingparameters, which include but not limited to the geo-fence boundarydefinitions, the clock time, and the polling interval, etc. Mobiledevices 103 include a cellular phone, and a handheld device possessingwireless communication connectivity, such as a tablet computer, and thelike.

Typically, geo-receiver 105 processes geo-location system 101 sentsignals received by antenna 108, for obtainment of the concurrentlocation of mobile device 103. In one embodiment, mobile device 103determines its location by engaging in the trilateration process.Telematics device 106 transmits to application server 110 via antenna107—at constant or variable specific frequency in time as per thepreconfigured polling interval—coded wireless messages comprising thepresent location and a unique identifier of mobile device 103. In analternative embodiment, mobile device 103 transmits to applicationserver 110 by telematics device 106 via antenna 107 said coded wirelessmessages at a defined polling interval in accordance with receivedapplication server 110 sent periodic probe requests.

Application server 110 receives information encompassing the mobiledevice 103 location and unique identifier via network 102. Applicationserver 110 executes a program which calculates the lead time periodpertaining to the user's arrival time at the related rented room.Alternatively, application server 110 assigns a predefined lead timeperiod on the basis of the geo-fenced area—related to a geo-fenceboundary—in which mobile device 103 is located. The lead time period andthe operating parameters of mobile device 103 may be changed inaccordance with change in the mobile device 103 located geo-fenced area.Application server 110 may be any equipment capable of facilitating twoway communications with telematics device 106 on mobile device 103. Inanother embodiment, mobile device 103 calculates the lead time periodpertaining to the user's arrival time at the related rented room; itsends the most updated proximity log—encompassing at least thecalculated lead time period and the unique identifier—to applicationserver 110 in said coded wireless messages.

A library of predefined geo-fence boundaries, the polling interval atconstant or variable frequency directing data logging betweenapplication server 110 and mobile device 103, quantitative calculationsperformed by application server 110, and other information such aspersonal data of the user, is stored in memory means 111 and retrievedby application server 110 via a wired or wireless communicative network.Memory means 111, working with or within application server 110, can beany device, including magnetic, optical or solid-state memory; wherestored information can be changed via a communicatively connected thinclient 113.

In an outdoor environment for use with geo-location system 101, network102 uses a combination of wireless and landline communicationinfrastructure such as a cellular telecommunication system and theinternet, provides two-way data logging between telematics device 106and application server 110.

On the other hand, the wireless and landline communicationinfrastructure of network 102 pertinent to an indoor tracking system, asdepicted in FIG. 1, typically encompasses a combination ofWLAN/Ethernet. Wherein, user carried mobile device 103 possessingBluetooth communicative components and functionality is continuallytracked through a node based mesh network (not shown) constructed onbasis of a plurality of Bluetooth beacons 112. Bluetooth beacon 112transmits a signal to mobile device 103 in the indoor environment, andtransports the returning signal to the communicatively connectedapplication server 110. Operatively similar to said outdoor trackingsystem, the proximity log encompassing the lead time period pertainingto the user's arrival time at the related rented room is obtained byapplication server 110 on basis of the position of mobile device 103.

Referring to FIG. 2A, geo-fenced area 203 is the area within a polygonalgeo-fence boundary 204. The geo-fenced area 203 has a center-of-mass201, and a computed circular approximation 205 with radius 202,corresponding to the maximum offset between the computed center-of-mass201 and the furthest edge of geo-fence boundary 204. The dotted trace220 depicts an exemplary path of mobile device 103 crossing geo-fenceboundary 204 and traveling away from center-of-mass 201, being therelated rented room at a hotel, as in one embodiment.

In FIG. 2A, a zone of Level 0 is defined as an area beyond circularapproximation 205: a zone of Level 1 may be defined as the area withincircular approximation 205. Application server 110 can alter the shapeof geo-fence boundary 204 within zone Level 1, in accordance withpreconditioning factors pertinent to traffic conditions, time of theday, the unique identifier of mobile device 103 and characteristics ofthe user or the related rented room, etc.

In one embodiment, application server 110 correlates the data pertinentto the real-time location of the user carrying mobile device 103 to apreconfigured lead time period Δt_(a), which is the time period betweenthe concurrent time and the projected user's arrival time atcenter-of-mass 201. For instance, a preconfigured value is assigned forlead time period Δt_(a1) when mobile device 103 is at position 211, andwithin the geo-fenced area 203; another preconfigured value is assignedfor lead time period Δt_(a2) when mobile device 103 is at position 212,which is outside geo-fence boundary 204.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, illustrated is geo-fenced area 253 pertainingto circular geo-fence boundary 254. Geo-fence boundary 254 having radius252 has been defined around central point 251, being the rented room atthe hotel, as in one embodiment. The dotted trace 221 depicts anexemplary path of mobile device 103 crossing geo-fence boundary 254 andtraveling toward central point 251. A zone of Level 0 is defined as anarea outside geo-fence boundary 254: a zone of Level 1 is the areawithin geo-fence boundary 254. Application server 110 can alter thecoverage of zone Level 1 within geo-fence boundary 254, in accordancewith preconditioning factors pertinent to traffic conditions, time ofthe day, the unique identifier of mobile device 103 and characteristicsof the user or the related rented room, etc.

In an alternative embodiment, application server 110 correlates the datapertinent to the real-time location of mobile device 103 to amathematical calculation of lead time period Δt_(a), as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{{\Delta \; t_{a}} = {\gamma \cdot \frac{d}{V}}} & \lbrack 1\rbrack\end{matrix}$

where Δt_(a) is the lead time period between the concurrent time and theprojected user's arrival time at the rented room of central point 251; γrepresents a preconfigured factor pertinent to the uncertainpreconditions affecting lead time period Δt_(a), such as time of theday, the unique identifier of mobile device 103 and characteristics ofthe user or the related rented room, etc.; d is the distance between theconcurrent location of the monitored mobile device 103 and central point251; v is the user's velocity of travel, which may be calculated, using:

$\begin{matrix}{v = \frac{\left( {d_{2} - d_{1}} \right)}{\left( {t_{2} - t_{1}} \right)}} & \lbrack 2\rbrack\end{matrix}$

where v, is periodically calculated on basis of the time difference totravel from one location to another. For instance, v is indicated by thedifference between d₁ (traversal distance between first position 261 andcentral point 251), and d₂ (traversal distance between second position262 and central point 251), divided by the difference of t₁(instantaneous time recorded at first position 261), and t₂(instantaneous time recorded at second position 262). Other formulae andmethods may seem fit in different situations where appropriate andtherefore can also be applied for calculation of lead time periodΔt_(a). Application server 110 performs the calculations and sends thecalculated values of lead time period Δt_(a) to control station 120 andother systems.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary methodsdisclosed herein may be applied to any geo-fenced area represented byany number of shapes and sizes. A geo-fence around a center of mass mayrange in complexity from a line to a highly irregular shape which moreaccurately follows the landscape of the hotel premises and neighborhood.There are a number of methods for constructing these geo-fences whichwill be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Thermal Drift & Drive Relationships

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary temperature change in an indoor space,wherein the outdoor temperature is lower than indoor setpointtemperature T_(set) of the space. Ambient temperature T_(amb) is thetemperature at which indoor temperature T(t) will theoretically reach inaccordance with indefinite increase in time t, when the HVAC heatingoperation is off; it is at a constant level in this case fordemonstration purposes.

Drift curve 300-1 represents the “drift process” of indoor temperatureT(t) with respect to time, beginning at a rapid rate decreasing fromsetpoint temperature T_(set) as indoor temperature T(t) approaches thesteady-state temperature, which is substantially the same as ambienttemperature T_(amb). Drive curve 300-2 represents the “drive process” ofindoor temperature T(t) of the space being driven from ambienttemperature T_(amb) up to setpoint temperature T_(set) in relation totime during a HVAC heating operation. The drive rate is decreasing asindoor temperature T(t) approaches setpoint temperature T_(set). Therequired time period to drift indoor temperature T(t) from one level toanother varies in accordance with time and season, as well as otherfactors such as the weather and energy sinks within the space. Incontrast, drive curve 300-2 is dependent on the unique spaceenvironment, and HVAC system performance. The data pertaining to therelationships between temperature responses to HVAC operation must beobtained to project the time period for indoor temperature T(t) to driftfrom one point to another, as well as the time to drive indoortemperature T(t) from one point to another. For a cooled room on a warmday, the principles are the same, yet the directions of increasingtemperature on the y-axis would be inverted.

In one embodiment, mathematical functions may be used to describe thetemperature responses through drift curve 300-1 and drive curve 300-2.In an exemplary use case, Newton's Law of Cooling is used forcalculation of the drift and drive performances. The rate of change ofindoor temperature T(t) over time dT/dt, is proportional to thedifference between indoor temperature T(t) and ambient temperatureT_(amb). A differential equation is used in a mathematical form, asfollows:

$\begin{matrix}{{\int\frac{T}{\left( {T - T_{amb}} \right)}} = {k{\int{t}}}} & \lbrack 3\rbrack\end{matrix}$

where indoor temperature T(t) corresponds to a drift process fromsetpoint temperature T_(set) to ambient temperature T_(amb). Solving thedifferential equation,we yield an equation having indoor temperature T(t) as a function oftime:

T(t)=T _(amb)+(T _(set) −T _(amb))e ^(−kt)  [4]

where k is a constant dependent on the surrounding environment withinthe space. Having measured indoor temperature T(t) at any time t, andknowing ambient temperature T_(amb), the value of k can be easilysorted.

In an alternative embodiment, application server 110 obtains ambienttemperature T_(amb), indoor temperature T(t) pertaining to the drift anddrive data from environmental attribute means 130, records, and storesthe data in memory means 111. In yet another embodiment, applicationserver 110 receives a data feed from control station 120, or otherexternal sources, comprising drift and drive data of indoor temperatureT(t), and ambient temperature T_(amb). Calculations, data recording andexternal information source pertaining to obtainment of drift data,drive data and ambient temperature T_(amb), can be continuallyprocessed, stored in memory means 111, and used for studying indoortemperature T(t) responses versus time t during a HVAC cooling orheating operation in a space.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary indoor temperature T(t) response inaccordance with drift curve 400-1 and drive curve 400-2. Dotted curve400-3 of the fluctuating ambient temperature T_(amb) varies incompliance with outdoor temperature changes during the day.

Setback temperature T_(sb) is a temperature level of an unoccupiedrented room maintained by a HVAC system, which is intended to resume tosetpoint temperature T_(set) within a short time after user entry. Therequired time to drive setback temperature T_(sb) to setpointtemperature T_(set) is recovery time period Δt_(r)—which is dependent onthe HVAC system capacity. It is better expressed as:

Δt _(r) =t _(set) −t _(sb)  [5]

where t_(set) is the time at which indoor temperature T(t) is driventoward setpoint temperature T_(set); t_(sb) is the starting time of thedrive process, at which indoor temperature T(t) equals to setbacktemperature T_(sb).

In one embodiment, application server 110 calculates recovery timeperiod Δt_(r) on the basis of the obtained user's arrival lead timeperiod Δt_(a), then extrapolates the corresponding indoor setbacktemperature T_(sb), based on the relationships between the temperatureresponses and time in a drift process and a drive process. Attention isdrawn with care to make sure that recovery time period Δt_(r) should bewithin lead time period Δt_(a) to complete drive of setback temperatureT_(sb) to setpoint temperature T_(set):

Δt _(r) ≦Δt _(a)

Or,

Δt _(r) =α·Δt _(a)  [6]

where α represents a preconfigured factor mathematically describing theuncertainty affecting lead time period Δt_(a). In another embodiment,recovery time period Δt_(r) is also expressed as:

Δt _(r) =r·|T _(set) −T _(sb)|  [7]

where recovery rate r (expressed in unit time per unit temperature, suchas seconds per ° C.) is the rate for the HVAC system to drive indoortemperature toward setpoint temperature T_(set). Recovery rate r iscalculated as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{r = \frac{\left( {t_{set} - t} \right)}{{T_{set} - {T(t)}}}} & \lbrack 8\rbrack\end{matrix}$

where T(t) is the indoor temperature of the space during any time t.

Data encompassing recovery rate r in relation with ambient temperatureT_(amb) can be stored in memory means 111. Any technique of calculatingand combining the most recently calculated recovery rate r and anarchived recovery rate r can also be utilized.

Other than recovery rate r yielded by equation [8] or others, themanufacturer of the HVAC system also provides the recommended recoverrate r_(m) under different ambient conditions for assurance of optimaloperative efficacies and equipment life span. Therefore, recovery rate rshould be maintained at a rate not exceeding the recommended recoverrate r_(m):

r≦r _(m)

Or,

r=β·r _(m)  [9]

where β represents a preconfigured factor mathematically describingvariables affecting recovery rate r in a temperature drive operation.Substituting equations [6] and [9] into equation [7]:

$\begin{matrix}{T_{sb} = {T_{set} - \frac{\left( {{\alpha \cdot \Delta}\; t_{a}} \right)}{\left( {\beta \cdot r_{m}} \right)}}} & \lbrack 10\rbrack\end{matrix}$

setback indoor temperature T_(sb) ofa space using lead time period Δt_(a), is yielded.

These drift and drive parameters are used in the methods of theinvention for determining the corresponding setback temperature T_(sb),as shown in flow chart 500 of FIG. 5. Typically, application server 110determines the values of setback temperature T_(sb) in the unoccupiedrented room, while receiving different location related informationpertaining to mobile device 103. It is realized that application server110 receives information encompassing whether the rented room status isunoccupied, from a separate system.

At step 510, application server 110 periodically receives datapertaining to the rented room from control station 120, includingsetpoint temperature T_(set), indoor temperature T(t) and ambienttemperature T_(amb), and stores the data in memory means 111 formathematical establishment of thermal drift & drive relationships asillustrated in an exemplary graphical form in FIG. 4. It is worthwhileto point out that the objective conditions—such as ambient temperatureT_(amb)—are continuously changing; said thermal drift & driverelationships are on a continually updated mathematical platform thataffects the calculated results.

In one embodiment, a user carrying mobile device 103 departs from therented room. At step 520, application server 110 receives the proximitylog from mobile device 103 carried by the user of the rented room—saidinformation including but not limited to indicating the operativeenvironment for tracking mobile device 103 being outdoor or indoorbased. At the same time, application server 110 determines if the rentedroom is unoccupied on basis of information received from at least oneother communicatively connected system. Application server 110 analyzesthe proximity log and ends the process if the rented room status isidentified as “checked-out”. Conversely, application server 110 projectsthe time at which the user will return to the rented room and determinesa corresponding setback indoor temperature T_(ab), on basis of archivednumerical thermal drift and drive data. The process proceeds to step530.

Referring to FIG. 2B, application server 110 receives the proximity logfrom mobile device 103 corresponding to the first position 261 recordedat the first instantaneous time t₁, and determines the value of d₁(traversal distance between first position 261 and central point 251).At step 530, application server 110—in one embodiment—uses apreconfigured value of lead time period Δt_(a1) on basis of position 261being outside geo-fenced area 253, and calculates the correspondingrecovery time period Δt_(r1), using equation [6]. Application server 110extrapolates the corresponding setback indoor temperature T_(sb1), basedon the temperature responses in a drift process and drive process of therented room as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, application server 110calculates setback temperature T_(sb1) by using equation [10]. At step540, application server 110 sends data pertaining to setback temperatureT_(sb1) to control station 120, for controlling HVAC system ofenvironmental attribute means 130 in maintaining temperature of therented room at a less energy demanding setback temperature T_(sb1). Theprocess returns to step 510. In a further embodiment, application server110 receives the proximity log from mobile device 103 corresponding tothe second position 262 recorded at the second instantaneous time t₂,and determines the value of d₂ (traversal distance between secondposition 262 and central point 251). At step 530, application server 110calculates the user's velocity of travel v, using equation [2]:

$\begin{matrix}{v = \frac{\left( {d_{2} - d_{1}} \right)}{\left( {t_{2} - t_{1}} \right)}} & \lbrack 2\rbrack\end{matrix}$

substituting velocity v into equation[1] to yield lead time period Δt_(a2), application server 110 calculatesthe corresponding recovery time period Δt_(r2), using equation [6].

Application server 110 extrapolates the corresponding setback indoortemperature T_(sb2), based on the temperature responses in a driftprocess and drive process of the rented room as shown in FIG. 4.Alternatively, application server 110 calculates setback temperatureT_(sb2) by using equation [10]. At step 540, application server 110sends data pertaining to setback temperature T_(sb2) to control station120. Control station 120 initiates HVAC system of environmentalattribute means 130 for adjusting indoor temperature T(t) from setbacktemperature T_(sb1) to setback temperature T_(sb2). Setback temperatureT_(sb2) will be driven to setpoint temperature T_(set) within recoverytime period Δt_(r2).

Provision of Heated Water and Services

In another aspect of the invention, the tracking system is applied toprojection of the total number of tracked users at the hotel withrespect to time. Having obtained each tracked user's time of departing,and time of arriving at the hotel in accordance with the user'sproximity log, yields the estimated number of total users at the hotelduring any time of the day. In furtherance, the settings of thetemperature and the reserve volume in the hotel water heater system ofenvironmental attribute means 130 can be projected.

The hotel's daily heated water consumption pattern is a function of thenumber of users and time, whereas, controls in heated water supply applyto the water flow, as well as, the heat flow. FIG. 6A illustrates theheated water consumption rate on a typical day at a hotel having anoccupancy rate of 70% in an exemplary profile 600: recorded peaks existbetween 6 p.m.-7 a.m. (90%-100% users on-site), 12 p.m.-1 p.m. (30%-45%users on-site), and 7 p.m.-8 p.m. (60-80% users on-site).

An exemplary profile 601 in FIG. 6B depicts the heated water consumptionrate on an average day at a hotel with a 90% occupancy rate; whereinrecorded data is available up to the concurrent time at 9:30 a.m. Thetypical historic records stored in memory means 111 (FIG. 1) includingbut not limited to the archived profile 600, and the projected number ofusers at the hotel, are attributes to establishing profile 601. Thefirst recorded peak 601-1 exists between 6 a.m.-7 a.m. (90%-100% userson-site).

In one embodiment, application server 110 projects the total number ofusers at the hotel at any time, by subtracting each departed trackeduser with respect to the recorded departure time, and adding an arrivingtracked user with respect to the projected arrival time at the hotel, inaddition to an estimated number of residing untracked users. The typicalper user consumption rate of heated water at peak demand is 45liter/hour, whereas a typical daily per user consumption of heated waterat 60-160 liters. The projection on heated water consumption rate may besegregated into 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a prime accuracy within 4hours from concurrent time, and at a secondary accuracy from 1:30 p.m.to 12 a.m. The projected peak 601-2 at 12 p.m-1 p.m. and projected peak601-3 at 7 p.m.-9 p.m. are shown in profile 601, which is continuallyamended with most recently recorded and calculated lead time periodΔt_(a) pertinent to each tracked user.

In yet another embodiment, application server 110 calculates therequired volume of heated water in a storage tank type water heater atsetpoint temperature, typically between 48° C. to 60° C., which isreadily for use. Energy conservation may be achieved by consistentlymaintaining a minimal 30 liter per user of heated water volume, or V, atsetpoint temperature. The total required heated water volume in storageat any time, V_(tot), can be found:

V _(tot) =n·V  [11]

where n is total number of users at the hotel.

The heated water consumption ΔV within a time period Δt can be sought,using the following equation:

ΔV=n·Q·Δt[12]

where Q is the per user flow rate of heated water use.

Application server 110 continually projects the total number of users n,for establishment of a database pertaining to profile 601. At step 540of FIG. 5, application server 110 transports the related information toone or more separate systems, which includes at least one of controlstation 120, and water heater system of environmental attribute means130.

Resource Allocation and Service Provision

The tracking system of the invention also applies to human resourcesallocation in hotelier operations. Referring to FIG. 7A, table 700 is anexemplary dynamic schedule indicating priority in providing housekeepingservices in a five story hotel. This schedule can be displayed via acommunicatively connected device, including but not limited to mobiledevice 103, and thin client 113 (FIG. 1).

Slot 701 shows the clock time used by the tracking system. Slot 702indicates different states of a rented room. Application server 110receives a message from a separate, communicatively connected systemindicating the status of each hotel room as “not rented”, “unoccupied”,etc. Referring to FIG. 2A, the lead time period Δt_(a) of a userpertaining to a rented room at center-of-mass 201 is determined on thebasis of a single geo-fence boundary 204 with geo-fenced area 203pertaining to 20 minute traffic time. The lead time period Δt_(a)relating to the time period before the user returns to center-of-mass201 is determined at “20 minutes”, given the tracked user location iswithin the geo-fenced area. The lead time period Δt_(a) is suggested at“20 minutes+” otherwise. Application server 110 changes the lead timeperiod Δt_(a) related to each unoccupied rented room in table 700 inaccordance with the periodically updated proximity log of thecorresponding tracked user. The housekeeping staff can prioritize theunoccupied rented rooms to be serviced; and change the room statusthrough said communicatively connected device as “room cleaned”, uponcompletion of the housekeeping task.

House Watching a Monitored Space

The tracking system of the invention house watches a monitored space inaccordance with the continually updated attributes, as well as,proximity logs of one or more mobile devices 103 carried by the relatedtracked users. In one aspect, the tracking system determines thesecurity status, and the operative modes of a plurality of devices 140within or related to a monitored house, in accordance with an exemplarymethod 750 in FIG. 7B.

Referring to FIG. 1, application server 110 determines whether one ormore mobile devices 103 are within or outside the pertinent monitoredhouse, in accordance with the corresponding proximity logs. At step 751of process 750, application server 110 periodically receives signaltransmissions, including but not limited to data comprising theoccupancy attribute from occupancy attribute means 150 pertaining to themonitored house, as well as, said one or more mobile devices 103.

At step 752, application server 110 analyzes the signal transmissions.In one embodiment, signal transmissions are disrupted ordiscontinued—application server 110 sends a probe signal to controlstation 120 via network 102, and the response is incompliant withpreconfigured parameters. At step 753, application server 110 sends analert to a third party, comprising at least one of the propertymanagement, security organization, mobile device 103, and thin client113. In a contrary embodiment, signal transmissions incompliance betweencontrol station 120 and application server 110 are not experienced,process 750 proceeds to step 754. Wherein, application server 110analyzes said occupancy attribute.

In one embodiment, application server 110 determines that the house is“occupied”, or, application server 110 receives a message comprisingchange in said occupancy of the house; wherein, such change comprises afew aspects. In one exemplary aspect, device 140 comprising a door lockdetects a visiting party's attempt to switch the locked state tounlocked state, and sends a corresponding signal to application server110.

At step 755, application server 110 analyzes the proximity logs of saidone or more mobile devices 103. If application server 110 fails toverify the identities of occupants in the occupied house, or, theidentity of said visiting party attempting to switch the locked state tothe unlocked state of a door lock pertinent to the unoccupied house, analert is sent to said third party in accordance with step 753. In adifferent embodiment, the identities of occupants are verified,alternatively, the identity of said visiting party is verified. In afurther embodiment, application server 110 determines in accordance withthe proximity logs, one or more mobile device 103 are approaching thehouse within a close proximity threshold. Process 750 proceeds to step756.

At step 756, application server 110 distinguishes said verifiedoccupants, or verified said visiting party, or verified said approachingone or more mobile device 103, by analyzing the identifiers and thecorresponding proximity logs. In accordance with the results of identitydistinguishment, application server 110 sends one or more signals forreceipt by said plurality of devices 140 to change the operative modefrom an “unattended state” to a “user configured state”, or, from an“unattended state” to a “management state”. In one embodiment,application server 110 receives the audit trail from a door lockpertaining to device 140, records in memory means 111 (FIG. 1) and sendsto said third party time-in and time-out of all entries and exits, inaccordance with the results of identity verification anddistinguishment.

In an alternative embodiment, application server 110 determines that themonitored house is “unoccupied”. At step 757, application server 110sends to control station 120, one or more signals for receipt by aplurality of devices 140, to change the operative mode to an “unattendedstate”. Process 750 proceeds to step 758.

At step 758, application server 110 determines if there is change,including but not limited to the pertinence between said one or moremobile devices 103, and said monitored house. In one embodiment,application server 110 determines no said change—process 750 returns tostep 751. In an alternative embodiment, application server 110determines said change. In one exemplary aspect, the pertinence betweensaid one or more mobile devices 103 and said house—being a lease—isdiscontinued upon check-out. Process 750 is ended.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

TERMINOLOGY

External Device—communicatively connected to the system, including butnot limited to a door lock, a light fixture, a home appliance, a safe,etc.Thin Client—a network linked electronic device with computing capacity,such as a microcomputer or a handheld personal digital assistant(‘PDA’), etc.Off Mode—power disconnection.Operative Mode—a device operating at an unspecified level.Management State—an operative mode of a device operating atconfigurations imposed by property management, including but not limitedto reduced power consumption.Unattended State—an operative mode of a device operating at differentlevels, comprising: reduced power consumption, including but not limitedto “sleep” mode and “standby” mode; alternatively, a device isconfigured to set off an alarm if the physical state is changed,including but not limited to “locked” to “unlocked”, “closed” to “open”;and, code/PIN entry for attempt of open or use.User Configured State—an operative mode of a device performing at a userspecified level, selected from functions, security level, or powerconsumption.

1.-22. (canceled)
 23. A method for controlling an environmentalattribute of a monitored space with an application server having anestablished drift and drive relationship where drifting theenvironmental attribute and driving the environmental attribute,represent not operating and operating, respectively, an environmentalattribute means, including, if the monitored space is unoccupied, a timeof arrival of a user of a mobile device at a geographic location inrelation to the monitored space, the method comprising: sending apresent geographic location or proximity log of the mobile device to theapplication server; projecting the time of arrival of the user at themonitored space on the basis of the recorded occupancy status, presentgeographic location or proximity log of the mobile device; anddetermining a setback recovery time period in accordance with theestablished drift and drive relationship, wherein the time of arrival atthe monitored space of the user of the mobile device corresponds withthe setback recovery time period.
 24. The method of claim 23, furthercomprises: monitoring the level of the environmental attribute of themonitored space; sending a detected level of the environmental attributeto the application server; determining a setback attribute, which is tobe driven to a setpoint within the setback recovery time period, inaccordance with the established drift and drive relationship; sendingthe setback attribute to a control unit or environmental attributemeans; allowing the environmental attribute in the monitored space todrift to the setback attribute level when the monitored space isunoccupied; and, driving the environmental attribute at the setbackattribute level so the environmental attribute proceeds toward thesetpoint within a time period related to a time of arrival of the userat the monitored space.
 25. The method of claim 23, further comprisingcalculating the calculated time of arrival based on a velocity of themobile device in change of geographic location.
 26. The method of claim23, further comprising altering a geo-fence area that contains themonitored space therein in accordance with preconditioning factorspertaining to selected traffic conditions, time, and characteristics ofthe user and the mobile device.
 27. The method of claim 26, furthercomprising preconfiguring the time of arrival as one preconfigured valuewhen the present geographic location of the mobile device is within thegeo-fence area, and as another preconfigured value when the presentgeographic location of the mobile device is outside of the geo-fencearea.
 28. The method of claim 23, further comprising using the mobiledevice to send a manually entered arrival time to the applicationserver.
 29. The method of claim 23, in which the monitored space is aguest room in a hotel, a house, or an office unit in a commercialbuilding.
 30. The method of claim 23, further comprising recording thetime in which the setback attribute is established, geographicallocation of the user, and estimating a lead time period for the user atthe determined geographical location to arrive at the monitored space.31. The method of claim 23, further comprising detecting thegeographical position of the user, estimating a time period required bythe user at the determined geographical position to arrive at themonitored space.
 32. The method of claim 23 further comprising havingthe time of arrival correspond with the lapse of the setback recoverytime period.
 33. The method of claim 23 further including: determining asetback level of an environmental attribute, or setback attribute,executing a program having instructions stored in a memory means of theapplication server communicatively connected to an environmentalattribute means; receiving from the environmental attribute means inaccordance with sent operating parameters the environmental attributepertaining to the monitored space, and further processing data,including a predetermined setpoint, a predetermined maximum rangerelative to the setpoint a first drift relationship, and a first driverelationship; establishing a first drift relationship by drifting withrespect to time the attribute from the setpoint, to the maximum rangerelative to the setpoint; and drifting with respect to time at least oneintermediate attribute between the setpoint, and the maximum rangerelative to the setpoint, to the maximum range relative to the setpoint;establishing a first drive relationship by driving with respect to timethe attribute from the maximum range relative to the setpoint, to thesetpoint; and driving with respect to time the at least one intermediateattribute between the setpoint, and the maximum range relative to thesetpoint, to the setpoint; storing in the memory means at least onedrive relationship and at least one drift relationship; and determiningwhether the at least one monitored space is occupied.
 34. The method ofclaim 33, wherein: the monitored space representing an independentlylocated space that includes at least one independently segregated andmonitored minimal space attributing to, which is selected from a groupincluding a hotel, a house, and a commercial building; the setpoint is apredetermined level of the environmental attribute; the maximum range ismathematically determined; or, the drive relationship is determined bythe environmental attribute manufacturer; the maximum range isempirically determined—the maximum range is obtained when the monitoredspace is unoccupied, by a sensor that monitors the attribute andprovides data to the application server, wherein the environmentalattribute in the monitored space is allowed to drift towards an ambientlevel of said environmental attribute in a region adjacent to themonitored space, whereas, the occupancy attribute in the monitored spaceis drifted to an unoccupied state.
 35. The method of claim 33, wherein:the environmental attribute of the monitored space is indoortemperature; and the environmental attribute means includes atemperature sensor, and at least one of a heating unit, an airconditioning unit and a ventilating unit.
 36. The method of claim 33,wherein: the occupancy attribute of the monitored space is occupied withthe number of users at the monitored space, and unoccupied with no usersat the monitored space; and the occupancy attribute means includes anoccupancy sensor.
 37. The method of claim 33, wherein: the occupancyattribute of the monitored space is occupied in accordance withdetecting a switch from the locked state to an unlocked state; and theoccupancy attribute means includes a door lock.
 38. The method of claim33, further comprising drifting an environmental attribute, representingreducing the environmental attribute by consumption, driving anenvironmental attribute representing increasing the environmentalattribute, including the additional steps of: determining the proximitylogs pertaining to tracked mobile devices carried by the total number ofusers, concurrently comprising non-traversing users located in themonitored space pertaining to null proximities, as well as, traversingusers projected to arrive in the monitored space in accordance with thecorresponding proximity logs; determining with respect to time theprojected number of non-traversing users located in the monitored space,including determining in accordance with the proximity logs thecorresponding number of traversing users arriving in the monitoredspace; calculating with respect to time the setback attribute bymultiplying the projected number of non-traversing users with apredefined unitary attribute quantity; determining in accordance with atleast one established drift relationship, the ratio with respect to timebetween the drifted attribute and the number of non-traversing users;and sending the setback attribute with respect to time, and the ratiowith respect to time, to a control unit of the environmental attributemeans.
 39. The method of claim 33, wherein: the monitored spacerepresenting an independently located space encompassing at least oneindependently segregated and monitored minimal space, which is selectedfrom a group including a hotel, a house, and a commercial building; thesetpoint, representing the predefined unitary attribute quantitymultiplied by the total number of users; and the maximum range isempirically determined—the maximum range is measured if the attribute isallowed to drift towards a level, within a given time span, comprisingthe largest difference with the setpoint.
 40. The method of claim 33,wherein: the environmental attribute of the monitored space is theheated water reserve quantity at a predetermined temperature; thepredefined unitary attribute quantity is the heated water reservequantity at the predetermined temperature readily supplied for one userof the total number of users; and the environmental attribute meansincludes at least one of a sensor for measuring the volume of theattribute in a storage tank, and a water heating unit.
 41. The methodclaim 33 wherein the environmental attribute of the monitored space is atemperature of heated water in a water heating unit, and the methodincludes sensing the temperature of the water in the water heating unitwith a temperature sensor.
 42. A system for controlling an environmentalattribute of a monitored space, the system comprising: an applicationserver having an established drift and drive relationship where driftingthe environmental attribute and driving the environmental attributerepresent not operating and operating, respectively; a control unit inoperative communication with an environmental means disposed in amonitored space, and the application server, including an indication ofwhether the monitored space is occupied or unoccupied; an environmentalattribute means communicatively connecting to the control unit inoperative communication with the application server, and including anindication of whether the monitored space is occupied or unoccupied; andan occupancy attribute means communicatively connecting to the controlunit in operative communication with the application server, andincluding an indication of whether the monitored space is occupied orunoccupied; and a memory means comprising stored drift and driverelationships comprising the temperature of the monitored space, andrecorded profiles of the monitored space occupancy; a mobile device incommunication with the application server to provide a geographiclocation in relation to the monitored space and send a presentgeographic location or proximity log of the mobile device to theapplication server whereby the application server unit projects the timeof arrival of a user at the monitored space on the basis of the presentgeographic location or proximity log of the mobile device, and furtherdetermines a setback recovery time period in accordance with theestablished drift and drive relationship so that the time of arrival atthe monitored space of the user of the mobile device corresponds to thesetback recovery time period.
 43. The system of claim 42 furthercomprising a sensor that monitors the environmental attribute andprovides data to the application server regarding same.
 44. The systemof claim 42 further comprising a sensor that monitors the occupancyattribute and provides occupancy data to the application serverregarding same.
 45. The system of claim 44 wherein the sensor is atemperature sensor to monitor a temperature of the monitored space. 46.The system of claim 44 wherein the application server is operativelyconnected to a control unit to establish a setback temperature for themonitored space.
 47. The system of claim 44 wherein the applicationserver includes data stored therein.